Practices and perceptions of recovery modalities in professional tennis players

Bedford, Steve; Wilson-Thain, Samantha; Barden, Craig; Thain, Peter Kevin

Practices and perceptions of recovery modalities in professional tennis players

Bedford, Steve and Wilson-Thain, Samantha and Barden, Craig and Thain, Peter Kevin (2026) Practices and perceptions of recovery modalities in professional tennis players. Performance Enhancement & Health, 14 (5). p. 100467. ISSN 2211-2669

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peh.2026.100467

Abstract

Objective
To explore professional tennis players’ perceptions, behaviours, use and barriers related to recovery strategies during a Grand Slam tournament window

Design
Cross-sectional study

Methods
Forty-three professional tennis players completed an online survey during a Grand Slam tournament window. Data are reported descriptively using frequencies and percentages, and open-ended responses were analysed thematically.

Results
Sleep and massage were perceived as the two most effective recovery strategies (93% and 88.4%, respectively). Massage (86.0%) and ice baths (74.4%) were the most used recovery strategies. Stretching had the highest percentage of participants using it after every match and/or training session (93.1%), followed by nutrition/supplements (91.3%). Foam rolling was predominantly chosen for its ease of accessibility (50%). Coach/peer influence most strongly affected the use of sleep optimisation strategies (41.2%). Limited availability was the most frequently reported barrier for massage (60%). Lack of motivation and low perceived effectiveness were the primary barriers for stretching (36.4%) and foam rolling (42.9% and 39.3%, respectively). Discomfort was the main barrier to using ice baths (55.6%).

Conclusion
This study assessed perceptions and self-reported recovery behaviours rather than athletes’ objective knowledge. There is a potential need to strengthen athlete and practitioner education, improve access to evidence-based support, and address the structural and motivational constraints that limit the consistent application of effective recovery strategies.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.peh.2026.100467
Dates:	Date Event 30 September 2026 Accepted 3 October 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	tennis, surveys and questionnaires, athletic performance, post-exercise recovery techniques
Subjects:	CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-02 - sport and exercise sciences > CAH03-02-01 - sport and exercise sciences
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Life and Sports Sciences
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	19 Oct 2026 12:53
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2026 12:53
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17271